What is the RISE project?
The Research Institute for Scholars of Equity (RISE) is designed to provide upper-level undergraduate students with experiences in conducting mixed-methods education research while preparing participants for doctoral study. RISE is a partnership between North Carolina Central University and the University of Southern California (USC). RISE includes faculty mentors and students from these universities, in addition to students and faculty mentors from collaborating institutions (including the University of Pittsburgh, the University of South Carolina, the University of New Mexico, and the New School for Social Research.)
As a RISE fellow, you will participate in a 58-day RISE summer research institute focused on research methodologies, American schooling, and educational laws, policies and practices that impact African American and Latino/a students. RISE fellows also participate in Research Interest Groups (RIGs) with other RISE fellows and in a research mentoring experience with a RISE faculty mentor during an academic year.
Strong candidates will demonstrate an interest in a career in education research and in pursuing a doctoral degree, and will have taken at least one course in the social sciences (e.g., sociology, psychology, or political science). Students who are members of underrepresented minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
Where will it take place?
The summer research institute will take place at North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC, and the research mentoring process will take place over the academic year on the Fellows’ respective campuses through the use of technology.
When will it take place?
The RISE Fellowship will start with a summer research institute and will continue over the academic year with a research mentoring process through the Research Interest Groups (RIGS) beginning in the fall term and continuing until the end of the spring term.
What are the goals of the RISE Project?
The aims of the RISE Fellowship are to develop a new generation of scholars committed to addressing issues of social equity through high quality, rigorous research in education and social sciences that will improve the schooling experiences and academic attainment of pre-kindergarten through university-level African American and Latino/a students. Such researchers must understand the broader context of American schooling as well as policies, practices and school culture that either act as constraints or supports to African American and Latino/a students. RISE also seeks to prepare fellows for doctoral studies that will lead to research careers that will inform policy and practice in education.
What are the benefits of being a RISE Fellow?
- A $6,000 stipend ($3,000 in the summer, $3,000 during the academic year)
- A 58-day RISE summer research institute focused on research methodologies, American schooling, and educational laws, policies and practices that impact African American and Latino/a students and
- 12 hours of GRE and doctoral application preparation during the summer
- Other provisions for the RISE Summer Research Institute (travel costs to the NCCU campus, summer housing, meal plan, internet access, CITI training on human subjects research, and access to the university library and other amenities on the NCCU campus)
- A year-long mentorship with a RISE faculty mentor who conducts research that addresses social inequality in Research Interest Groups (RIGs) with other RISE fellows
- Up to $900 for research-related expenses
- Experience in conducting social equity research.
What are the eligibility requirements?
- RISE eligible participants are rising juniors through graduating seniors who are enrolled as full-time students in a university in any academic discipline and are interested in the field of education.
- Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4-point scale.
- Applicants must have completed 3 or more credit hours of coursework in a social science (e.g., sociology, psychology, or political science.).
- Applicants must have written a literature review or research paper as part of their college coursework and be interested in pursuing doctoral studies.
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Aspiring fellows must show academic promise and commit to the completion of the 58-day research training program and a full academic-year mentorship.
- Applicants must submit a fully completed application.
- Students who are members of underrepresented minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
How do I apply?
- Via the RISE application. Applications are only considered that are submitted electronically through the RISE website.
- Applicants will need to submit the fully completed application, including college transcripts and letters of recommendation, before the posted deadline in order to be considered.
Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
Email: [email protected]
Call: 919-530-6231
